2020 School Magazine

YEAR 8 HISTORY

Y ear 8 History has been a diverse and interesting journey into the past. During Term 1 we explored the world of Ancient Greece by investigating several myths from the time, as well as interpreting mythical scenes depicted on ancient Greek ceramic vases. We were given the opportunity to choose a myth to research throughout the term and learned how to ‘read with a pencil’, annotating sources about our chosen myth in detail. Term 2 focused on Ancient Rome. We learned about Roman social structure, emperors, and major events that occurred during the time. The unit was divided into sections, and each section was paired with an episode of the Roman Mysteries TV show. In Term 3 we delved into the lifestyle of Medieval Europe and aimed to answer the question: ‘What shaped people’s lives during the Middle Ages?’ As we gained new knowledge, we engaged in class discussions to share our thoughts and ideas. Throughout the unit, we examined the impacts the Feudal System, the Medieval manor, the Catholic Church and the Crusades had on people’s lives. To conclude the term, we enjoyed participating in casual and entertaining activities, such as simulation games in which many of us ‘died’ from Cholera and the Plague! Tessa Lloyd (8O)

YEAR 9 HISTORY

I s being an incompetent King the same as being a treasonous King? Can an individual unintentionally betray their country? Did Louis XVI ever really cede his throne? These and many other questions were passionately debated in the Trial of King Louis XVI we conducted in class. The trial, which ran over three lessons, was the culmination of an investigation into the causes and course of the French Revolution. Every student played an important role in the trial. Some students acted as witnesses, others were barristers or members of the jury, and one was the presiding judge. Activities such as the Trial of King Louis demonstrate the important role History plays in developing empathy, promoting understanding of various perspectives, and revealing the contestable nature of historical events and people.

Ms Julie Hennessey HEAD OF HISTORY

YEAR 10 ANCIENT HISTORY S tudying Year 10 Ancient History has been an enjoyable and enlightening experience. In the first unit, Journeys to Ancient Lands , we explored different cultures from the past and how they contributed to the construction of contemporary societies. This unit emphasized the importance of protecting and understanding the remnants of the past, to help prepare for the future. In the second unit, Archaeology, we adopted the perspectives and methods archaeologists use to investigate the complex stories surrounding antiquities. We chose an ethical dilemma in archaeology, and considered the arguments and key issues threatening archaeological sites and artefacts and all they can tell us about the past, to provide a solution. The third much-anticipated unit, Myth, Magic, and Religion, allowed us to gain insight into the societal beliefs and culture of one of the most famous ancient civilisations: Ancient Egypt. In this unit we created a museum exhibit that explored an area within this topic. Overall the units completed this year have been very comprehensive, allowing me to combine all my skills in an assignment to create a story behind the artefacts I chose to display. Emma Paull (10W)

76 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2020